The Small Game – Chipping

"I rarely if ever play in any competition golf. In my experience it has been the golfers with the best short games that score the best. For me, chipping and putting is where I score or not" - Gary Player

I have wasted so many shots around the green because of bad technique. Shanks, thinning, duffing, over-hitting, I’ve done it all. Decades ago, as a novice, knowing very little about the short game, my only objective was to get the ball onto the green. It didn’t matter how or where on the green it landed, so long as it stayed on the green. As a result, I scored in the 80s regularly.

These days, as a very senior golfer, scoring in the 80s is a dream. Don’t let that put you off, after searching social media, mostly YouTube, then testing what I discovered, I can

recommend this video instruction.

Chipping Made Simple in 3 Steps Summarized. The Art of Simple Golf, YouTube Shorts.

1. Stand tall and get closer to the ball.

2. Position the ball further back in your stance, nearer your rear foot.

3. Make sure your arms and hands are ahead of the ball through impact.

What I found.

• I now remember how I scored regularly in the 80s all those years ago. I always stood tall and was close to the ball on every shot, putter and driver included. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I only shanked once in 17 years from my early 20s.

• After I found the above clip, my short game improved exponentially. Yes, it works around the green, but I’ve used it to elevated greens, from pitching distance and when I think the big game is off.

• I get twitchy often and my right/trail hand takes over. If you have the same struggle, lighten your trail hand, feeling as if it isn’t there. It’s surprising how smooth your chipping and accuracy can be. It works just as well with the big game.

• Tension is your enemy, stay relaxed.

Check it out.

You may want to find your own answers to any chipping issues you have. For me, …3

Steps…, worked a treat, try it, I hope it works for you. Have fun out there.